very slow pace, and co-workers are nice, non-confrontational(+/-), good contract work

Cons

Received no notice when removed from project, full timers appear to have never worked in an industry that needs to drive results -- they appear to be very focused on the ever changing political landscape and not getting things done - not that I blame them. I guess it used to be an awesome place to work?

In mega pharma like AMGEN, it is difficult to learning new technologies or moving up. Job title is everything. There have been several layoffs since 2008, expecting more in 2015 and that has been very detrimental to morale.

I got to work with highly skilled and highly driven co-workers. I worked on many interesting projects. I worked for several managers and enjoyed working for each one. I was well compensated with base salary, 401k matching, annual bonus, and stock. The medical benefits were also excellent. Employees start with 3 weeks vacation per year. In addition, there are two week-long shutdowns a year: one at Christmastime and one for the Fourth of July week.

Cons

There is a lot of pressure, and there are often unrealistic deadlines. It is common to hear the phrase "do more with less". In recent years there have been several layoffs, and that has been very detrimental to morale. Although we get a lot of vacation, it is difficult to take all the vacation you get. Managers will generally let you take time off, but project priorities often make it hard.

Advice to Management

Since it is often hard to use all the vacation, perhaps there should be some option to get paid for unused vacation.

-great benefits (entire economic value seems competitive with market) -great coworkers (many genuinely strive to live to the values of our culture) -underlying business is still solid, but faces challenges

Cons

-career opportunities (going straight up) are harder to come by, lateral can be very challenging depending on business area (requires considerable internal networking) -appetite for risks and making bold decisions seems much lower on the tail of continuous cost-cutting and pressure to perform immediately -work-life balance may vary depending on role

Advice to Management

Some of the recent changes have adversely impacted mid/lower level management appetite for judicious risk taking and decision making. Several have commented on the lower career opportunities and pressure to perform immediately. Encourage career development for internal lower level staff; the bias has swung real heavy to external and outsourcing recently.

Great pay, Good benefits, Smart people, Nice work environment Great geographical location. Opportunities to advance but not as many as there use to be They encourage personal growth but it depends heavily on the support of your Report To

Cons

Demanding, very fast-pace, satisfaction and growth very dependent on what department you work in.

Advice to Management

Remember the employees at the bottom of the totem pole when it comes to pay increases, opportunities to advance, and recognition

Great weather. Thousand Oaks and surrounding areas are also nice to live for families. 401 K benefits (5% + match another 5%). Health benefits are really good but declining over the years. Stock benefits are also very good.

Cons

Titles are inconsistent and do not match the complexity of the skills required. Some departments can get director and promoted to ED quickly while a similar department is nearly impossible. Lack of opportunity to get a promotion and in fact, may get "releveled". Resources put towards staff training have dropped significantly.

Advice to Management

Need to make staffs feel valued. Lots of people with significant experience have left and will continue if no major actions are taken soon.